overarching idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"overarching idea" is a correct and usable phrase in English.
You would use it when you want to refer to a concept or principle that explains or encompasses a variety of facts or observations. For example, "The overarching idea behind this research is that climate change is an increasingly pressing issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Start your speech by giving your main, overarching idea, and the 3 (or so) main points you have to support and elaborate on it.

WikiHow

Mr. Sobel has kept the production deliberately modest, imposing no overarching idea.

The New York Times

When I ask Anne Longfield what her priorities are – 10 months after taking office as children's commissioner for England – there's a significant degree of outlining, breaking down, realising limitations, until we reach an "overarching idea".

The Guardian

It is this overarching idea that Republicans (and bankers) hate.

The New York Times

Its overarching idea, a string of solos, became banal.

The New York Times - Arts

The voice-over, in the assertion that a person is "a riddle to himself," points toward Malick's overarching idea.

The New Yorker

If some of her associations are far more tenuous than others, she does bind them together with an overarching idea.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

And he is as drawn to great, overarching ideas as he is to historical factoids.

The New York Times - Books

According to this perspective, mathematical content is organized into overarching ideas according to phenomenological origin.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

To help mitigate this problem, emphasis in analysis was placed on overarching ideas rather than specific word choices or phrasing.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Early on, the team remained more open to and investigated multiple, "overarching" curriculum ideas.

International Journal of STEM Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a complex topic, clearly articulate the "overarching idea" early on to provide context and help your audience understand the relationships between different elements.

Common error

Avoid using "overarching idea" when a simpler, more direct term like "main point" or "key concept" would suffice. Overusing "overarching idea" can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overarching idea" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates it is used to denote a central theme or principle that encompasses a broader understanding or perspective.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "overarching idea" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for conveying a central, unifying concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often employed in news, scientific, and academic contexts to frame discussions and analyses within a broader perspective. While synonyms like "central concept" or "main theme" exist, "overarching idea" specifically emphasizes the encompassing nature of the concept. When using the phrase, ensure it truly represents a unifying principle rather than a mere summary, and avoid overusing it to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

central concept

Focuses on the core element, downplaying the encompassing aspect.

main theme

Highlights the recurring subject or message, often in creative works.

unifying principle

Emphasizes a guiding rule that brings cohesion.

key concept

Stresses the importance of the central concept, possibly simplifying its encompassing nature.

fundamental principle

Highlights the foundational aspect, often in ethical or theoretical contexts.

basic premise

Focuses on the initial assumption or proposition.

core belief

Highlights the underlying conviction, often in ideological contexts.

chief tenet

Emphasizes a specific doctrine or belief, often within a larger system.

governing concept

Highlights the role of the concept in controlling or directing something.

central hypothesis

Focuses on a testable proposition, common in scientific inquiry.

FAQs

How can I effectively introduce an "overarching idea" in my writing?

Start with a concise statement of the "overarching idea", then provide supporting details and examples to illustrate its scope and significance. Consider framing it as the answer to a central question or problem.

What are some common synonyms for "overarching idea"?

Alternatives include "central concept", "main theme", or "unifying principle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "overarching idea" in formal writing?

Yes, "overarching idea" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing complex topics or theoretical frameworks. However, ensure it accurately reflects the scope and significance of the concept you're describing.

How does an "overarching idea" differ from a simple summary?

An "overarching idea" provides a conceptual framework that explains the relationships between different elements, while a summary simply recounts the main points. The "overarching idea" goes beyond summarizing to offer a unifying perspective.